Feb. 19, 2017 – Today’s Gift from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

A man who has committed a mistake and doesn’t correct it is committing another mistake. — Confucius

Step Ten tells us that when we are wrong, we must “promptly” admit it. We aren’t used to admitting our mistakes. We defend ourselves or blame others. This is called denial.

Denial is bad for two reasons. First, it keeps us from learning from our mistakes, so we keep making them. Second, we don’t listen to others, so we close off ourselves and become lonely.

What a relief it is to admit our wrongs! We don’t have to keep trying to do things the hard way. We can learn new ways to think and act that will work better for us. We can let other people be our teachers.

Prayer for the DayHigher Power, help me out of denial, so I can see the changes I need to make.

Action for the DayToday,if I disagree with someone, I’ll promptly admit it when I’m wrong. If I’m right, I’ll be gentle. I don’t have to prove anything.